10 Questions to Ask about Your Heart-Disease Risk

By Jane Farrell

Editor’s note: Heart disease is the number-one killer among women in the U.S. It’s essential that you know your own risk, and what you can do to lower it. Here, from the experts at the National Institute on Aging, are ten crucial questions to ask your doctor or nurse. If you think you won’t remember all of them, print out this article and take it with you on your next medical visit.

Are you at risk for heart disease? Ask your doctor or nurse the following questions:

1. What is my risk for heart disease?
2. What is my blood pressure?
3. What are my cholesterol numbers? (These include total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.)
4. What are my body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement? Do they mean that I may need to lose weight for my health?
5. What is my blood sugar level, and does it mean that I’m at risk for diabetes?
6. What other screening tests do I need to help protect my heart?
7. What can help me quit smoking?
8. How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
9. What’s a heart-healthy eating plan for me?
10. How can I tell if I’m having a heart attack? If I think I’m having one, what should I do?

If you are told you are at increased risk or already have a heart problem, be sure to ask what you can do to stay healthy. Learn more about heart health on the NIA website.

Reprinted from the NIA. For information from the NIA on other health issues, click here.